[Berger's disease. Study of eleven cases (author's transl)]

Among 39 patients with recurrent hematuria, 11 accomplished criteria of Berger's disease. The frequent association between recurrent hematuria and upper respiratory tract infections as well as constant elevation of serum IgA are emphasized. Their finding as well as the deposition of IgA on the mesangium and C'3 without C1q and C'4 suggest an alternative activation of the complement system which could explain the role of the IgA in the pathogenesis of Berger's disease. The disease can begin as acute glomerulonephritis and occasionally as a nephrotic syndrome, and its' prognosis is generally good in most instances.